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Obi-Morka Argy-Bargy and Dynamics of ‘Co-Wife Rivalry’ 

    BY AJUKOMAIKE  OMEHEE
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In the theatre of Nigerian politics, it is not uncommon to witness sharp exchanges, biting criticisms, and fiery rhetoric. However, Felix Morka’s pointed vitriol towards Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, seems to transcend the usual bounds of political disagreement. The national spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has repeatedly unleashed scathing invective on Obi, often in response to the latter’s legitimate criticisms of the ruling party. Yet, when Atiku Abubakar, another opposition leader, issues even harsher critiques of the APC, Morka’s tone often appears muted or, at worst, measured. This discrepancy raises questions about the motivations behind Morka’s outbursts. Could this be a case of sibling rivalry between two Igbo sons, or does Morka view Obi as a rival co-wife in a polygamous political household, seeking to curry favour with his ‘husband’?
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Peter Obi has earned a reputation for his calm, data-driven approach to political discourse. His New Year message, which criticized the APC government for institutional corruption, mismanagement, and escalating national debt, was a continuation of his advocacy for a better Nigeria. While his message was undeniably critical, it was also measured, rooted in facts, and devoid of personal attacks. Morka’s response, however, was anything but measured. He accused Obi of “crossing the line” and issued ominous warnings about the consequences. This reaction contrasts sharply with his responses to Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flagbearer. Atiku has not held back in his criticisms of the APC, often employing language far more scathing than Obi’s. Yet, Morka’s responses to Atiku have been conspicuously restrained. This selective aggression suggests that Morka’s hostility toward Obi is fueled by more than just political rivalry. It smacks of an attempt to undermine Obi personally and politically, raising suspicions about underlying motives.
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The seeming sibling or ‘co-wife rivalry’ between Peter Obi and Felix Morka, both Igbo men, tends to lend a whiff of intrigue to this discourse. In many traditional African settings, sibling rivalry and co-wife competition are powerful metaphors for interpersonal conflicts. In the context of Nigerian politics, sibling rivalry might imply a competition for relevance or dominance within the Igbo political sphere. Obi’s meteoric rise as a third-force candidate who galvanized millions of Nigerians, especially the youth, has elevated him to a position of unparalleled influence among Ndigbo. This prominence could be seen as a threat to individuals like Morka, who may feel overshadowed or sidelined. On the other hand, the metaphor of co-wife competition paints an even more intriguing picture. In polygamous households, co-wives often vie for the attention and favour of their husband. By attacking Obi with such ferocity, Morka might be signaling his loyalty to the APC hierarchy, positioning himself as the favoured “wife” who defends the family’s honour against an ‘outsider.’
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This dynamic, however, plays into a broader strategy that has long been employed to divide and weaken Ndigbo. By pitting prominent Igbo figures against one another, the ruling class ensures that the region remains fragmented and unable to present a unified front in national politics. Morka’s antagonism toward Obi inadvertently perpetuates this strategy. Rather than engaging Obi’s ideas constructively or defending the APC’s policies with facts, Morka resorts to personal attacks and veiled threats, creating a spectacle that distracts from the substantive issues Obi raises.
Meanwhile, Atiku, a non-Igbo politician, escapes such venom despite being an equally vocal critic of the APC. This disparity underscores the peculiar intensity of Morka’s hostility toward Obi, suggesting that it is driven by factors beyond mere political disagreement.
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One cannot ignore the possibility that Morka’s attacks on Obi are designed to please his ‘paymasters’. By targeting Obi, Morka may be attempting to discredit one of the most potent symbols of opposition to the APC’s rule. In doing so, he positions himself as a loyal defender of the party, perhaps hoping to secure his political future or curry favour with the powers that be. However, this approach comes at a cost. It erodes Morka’s credibility, exposes the APC’s intolerance for dissent, and deepens the perception of a government that seeks to silence opposition rather than engage with it constructively.
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Amid this onslaught, Peter Obi has remained remarkably composed. His refusal to engage in personal attacks or descend into the mud of political name-calling sets him apart in a landscape often defined by hostility and bitterness. By focusing on the issues and reiterating his commitment to a “New Nigeria,” Obi continues to inspire hope among his supporters and the wider Nigerian populace. His recent statement, in which he questioned whether he had “crossed the line” and reaffirmed his resolve to speak truthfully, is a testament to his resilience. Obi’s emphasis on decorum and his call for a freer, more democratic society stand in stark contrast to Morka’s venomous rhetoric.
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The Obi-Morka saga underscores the urgent need for civility in Nigerian politics. While disagreements are inevitable, they must be rooted in facts and focused on the issues, not on personal attacks or threats. Felix Morka, as a spokesperson for the ruling party, has a responsibility to elevate the discourse and engage opposition voices constructively. The APC, too, must recognize that silencing dissent is not a sustainable strategy. In a democracy, criticism is not a threat; it is a vital mechanism for accountability and improvement. By addressing the issues Obi raises rather than attacking his person, the APC can demonstrate a commitment to governance that prioritizes the needs of Nigerians over political vendettas.
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Felix Morka’s selective hostility toward Peter Obi raises uncomfortable questions about the motivations behind his rhetoric. Whether it is sibling rivalry, co-wife dynamics, or an attempt to impress his paymasters, the result is the same: a political culture that prioritizes division over dialogue and intimidation over accountability. As Nigerians continue to grapple with the challenges of governance, they must demand better from their leaders. The line that must not be crossed is not Peter Obi’s critique of the APC but the descent into a politics of threats, distractions, and personal attacks. It is a line that Felix Morka and the APC must strive to avoid if they hope to build a Nigeria that truly belongs to all.
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OMEHEE, a public affairs analyst writes from Enugu

Editor
Jude Ossai (JP) a veteran journalist is a National Diploma holder in Mass Communication from Ogwashi-Uku Polytechnic Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State. He also studied at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Enugu and Imo State University, Owerri for his first and second degrees in Mass Communication, respectively. He writes extensively on politics, crime, corruption, climate change, healthcare, human rights, social justice, among others.
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Jude Ossai (JP) a veteran journalist is a National Diploma holder in Mass Communication from Ogwashi-Uku Polytechnic Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State. He also studied at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Enugu and Imo State University, Owerri for his first and second degrees in Mass Communication, respectively. He writes extensively on politics, crime, corruption, climate change, healthcare, human rights, social justice, among others.
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